New U.S. Work-Permit Rules: What Nigerians Must Know About the 18-Month Limit and Stricter Vetting

The United States government has announced a major change to its immigration system, and it will affect thousands of Nigerians seeking greener pastures abroad. If you’re planning to migrate to the U.S. through asylum, refugee resettlement, humanitarian parole, student-to-green-card routes, or family immigration, this update is extremely important.

Recently, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed that employment authorization documents (EADs), also called work permits, will now be valid for only 18 months, instead of the previous 2 to 5 years many immigrants enjoyed. The change comes as part of a larger immigration tightening under the current U.S. administration.

Here is everything Nigerians need to know.

What Exactly Has Changed?

1. Work-permit validity is now 18 months

Before now, asylum seekers, refugees, and green-card applicants could receive work permits valid for 2 years, 3 years, or even 5 years.

Under the new rule:

• All work permits issued on or after December 5, 2025, will last only 18 months.
• This applies to new applications and renewals.
• Categories affected include:
  
  • Refugees
  • Asylum seekers
  • People with asylum cases still pending
  • Green-card applicants (adjustment of status)
  • Certain humanitarian migrants

2. More frequent background checks

Reducing validity means applicants will be vetted more often. The U.S. government says this is to “strengthen national security.”

3. Some categories are not affected

If you’re on a visa that already includes work rights, such as:

• H-1B
• L-1
• O-1
• Some F-1 OPT categories

…this rule does not apply to you.

Why Nigerians Should Pay Close Attention

Many Nigerians in the U.S. fall into the categories affected by this new rule—especially:

• Asylum seekers
• Students changing status to permanent residency
• Nigerians applying for marriage-based green cards
• Humanitarian applicants
• DV Lottery winners undergoing adjustment of status

For these people, the new 18-month validity may affect job security, renewal costs, and long-term plans.

What This Means for Nigerians Already in the U.S.

1. More frequent renewals

You may have to renew your work permit every year and a half, meaning:

• More fees
• More paperwork
• More stress
• More chances of delays

2. Risk of losing your job temporarily

If your renewal is delayed (a common problem), your work permit may expire.

Some employers will not allow you to continue working until the new card arrives.

This can lead to:

• Loss of income
• Job termination
• Inability to pay rent or bills
• Financial hardship

3. Long immigration cases + shorter permits = more pressure

Most green-card and asylum cases take 2 to 7 years. Instead of getting a long-term work permit that covers you through the process, you’ll now deal with:

• Multiple renewals
• Longer waiting times
• Higher uncertainty

4. Green-card applicants may face complications

The Business-Standard report noted that this policy may affect the ability of some applicants to maintain continuous employment while waiting for their green cards—critical for many immigration categories.

Why Did the U.S. Make This Change?

Reports from CBS and other outlets say the policy shift came after a high-profile incident involving a migrant and members of the U.S. National Guard. The government responded by tightening immigration rules, including:

• Shorter work-permit validity
• More security vetting
• Delays in asylum and citizenship processes
• Possible expansion of travel restrictions

The message is clear: the U.S. wants immigrants to undergo more frequent background checks.

How This Affects Nigerians Planning to Relocate

If you’re planning asylum

Expect stricter requirements and shorter work permits. It may take longer to get approval, and even after approval, you’ll need to renew frequently.

If you plan to marry a U.S. citizen or petition via family

Be prepared for shorter work authorization while waiting for your green card.

If you’re traveling on a visiting visa hoping to change status

You will face a tougher environment. Overstaying and trying to switch status will likely be more complicated.

If you’re hoping to travel through humanitarian routes

Frequent vetting will be part of your stay in the U.S.